
By Jack Riley
A recent surface of counterfeit Franklin Half Dollars has hit the numismatic community. The subject coin was shared in a large open Facebook group and was quickly identified as a modern counterfeit.

Comparing this example to others I have saved shows three dates sharing a common obverse (and reverse). Reverse markers aren’t indicated due to the obverse being interchanged with various mints including Denver and San Francisco.



Repeated markers highlighted in red include:
- Missing FS initials
- Reacting circulation marks on the lower bust
- High “19” in the date

Consider this last photo and aforementioned summary. That’s how closely you have to inspect raw coins being sold online. China is flooding the market with fakes and fakes within fakes (counterfeit coins in counterfeit PCGS holders).
Proxiblog is proud to be at the forefront of exposing these scammers.
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